It is of the utmost value to a nation, a human group-soul, to preserve its language and to make of it a strong and living cultural instrument. A nation, race or people which loses it language, cannot live its whole life or its real life.

– Sri Aurobindo

AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, Union Territory of Puducherry, India organized four day workshop on the theme “Devabhasha: A Language of the Divine Origin” from 12-15 Feb, 2024 at Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry. The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tripatahy said that Sri Aurobindo has given special emphasis on the use of Sanskrit and indigenous languages ‘the vital question is how we are to learn and make use of Sanskrit and the indigenous languages.’ Highlighting the origin of Sanskrit language, Sri Aurobindo had also opined ‘Sanskrit, by a peculiar fidelity to its origins, presents us with a true primary form of speech.’ Sanskrit and the national identity, Sanskrit and Science, Sanskrit and the indigenous languages, the greatness of Sanskrit and as a future language and many significant aspects were discussed.

The workshop focussed on unique methods to learn Sanskrit, including phonetics and proper pronunciation, word creation structure, sentence formation and semantics. It also included the basics of its grammar, the chhandas, stories and dialogues, chanting and singing which made the sessions more attractive. Objective of the workshop was to introduce Sanskrit to those who are genuinely interested in learning this language, both in its spoken and written forms. The objective is to bring the participants in contact with many beautiful aspects of this language in the light of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Speaking on the concept ‘Sanskrit, as a language of consciousness’, Dr. Tripathy said that Sanskrit is the language in which India’s soul is reflected and expressed.

Structures of Spoken Sanskrit, including basic structural elements, practice of language with creative expressions followed by beautiful examples of the Sanskrit texts. Participants representing Samskrita Bharati and other academic institutions enjoyed the session.